Officer ‘Heroes’ Inspire Others to #RollUpSleeves and Clean Up South Africa

A post shared on facebook this week, about a Rustenburg North clean-up, has been shared by thousands of South Africans who felt the voluntary clean-up at Foord Street intersection gave them both hope and inspiration for the year ahead.

Ofile Sekete Kgalegi uploaded three photos on Tuesday with this message:

“This morning I saw some of the Rustenburg Public Safety officers parked on the side of the road, busy. At closer view I realised that they were not pulling people over and writing up tickets like Christmas cards. They were actually cleaning the side of the road. I was very impressed.

“So I pulled over and asked to photograph them; they agreed. What impressed me the most was when I asked them what programme or initiative they were taking part in…NONE!

“They had been asking the Municipality to clean up that illegal dumping area but their pleas fell on deaf ears. So they rolled up their sleeves and did good with no incentive. Thank you guys, you made my morning. Great inspiration and much respect.”

The post touched a chord with many South Africans and immediately went viral. It was even sent to the Rustenburg mayor.

Following the incredible response from South Africans who felt lifted after reading his post, Ofile wrote: “There will always be hope. Don’t let the dark, stormy times deceive you. This country (like its people) is very resilient. There will always be challenges politically, racially, economically, socially etc. but there is a collective consciousness that keeps us from total mayhem.

“Even with some radical individuals and groups, we South Africans just want to live well, take care of our families and see another day. God bless this beautiful country of ours.”

Addressing the officers, he said they were “heroes…for doing something that many citizens wouldn’t do and you didn’t do it for attention or recognition.”

One facebook user, Albert Xolile Dlwengu also said that while “this is an example of real public servants” he did also wish that people would “take responsibility of ensuring that their living spaces are habitable and stop anyone who would throw rubbish in that area again…cause it looks really filthy…”

Ntsomi Carol Yvonne said Ofile’s post had “shaken many hearts” and that this ‘one-off’ act had made a “huge impact and left a…’roll up sleeves’ mode in most of us… This has nothing to do with who’s ruling the country or who did what once…

“This is everything to do with ‘what do u do as a citizen for [your] own health and well being’. I personally have taken it in and plan to do something other than criticise…”

Ofile answered: “If this inspired you to roll up your sleeves as well then I’ve witnessed magic. Let’s do something about it #Rollupsleeves…”

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View Ofile’s post here.